Five Star Bengaluru hotels

Most popular areas in Bengaluru for 5-star hotels

Bolstered by the arrival of countless multinationals and imbued with the aging relics of the British Raj, Bengaluru has become one of the standout cities in modern India. And that means luxury to boot. Just check out the opulent hotels that emerge from the regal embassies and the Victorian turrets of the Bangalore Palace in Vasanth Nagar. Or, look to the high-rise modern digs with their pools and marble-clad lobbies that loom above MG Road. There are also palatial hotels with rooftop swims on offer in the leafy reaches of central Cubbon Park.

Top 5-star hotels in Bengaluru

Located on the south-eastern edge of Bengaluru, the Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks is a picture of 5-star perfection. Quiet and peaceful, it offers an escape from the pandemonium of the town, not to mention al fresco pools, monsoon showers, and private gyms. Then comes the Vivanta by Taj on MG Road, its Mughal-esque mosaics glistening below the turquoise waters of the garden pool. And then there's the Oberoi: a refined, classic medley of babbling fountains and verdant gardens.

Where to find the best restaurants in Bengaluru

Start that spice and masala odyssey with a bout of refined Bangalore dining, hopping between the restaurants on Residency Road. This is where the earthy flavors of Goa, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka are transformed from tiffin boxes to meticulously crafted curries and wood-fired tandoor creations. Or, opt for the simple dosa kitchens of Malleshwara, where bubbling cauldrons of South Indian curry scent the lively dining halls. Then there are the artsy eateries of Bull Temple Road, where twirling Tamil dancers pepper the street corners and jowar roti breads bolster coconut-packed regional dishes.

The most popular things to do in Bengaluru

Bengaluru is a city that finely straddles the divide between the old and the new India. On the one side, there are fascinating temples and shrines by the bucket load, like the legendary Bull Temple with its great bovine icon carved from a single black-rock boulder, or the cavernous worship rooms of the Gavi Gangadeshwara dedicated to Lord Shiva. Fusing both the past and present, visitors can also witness the filigreed exteriors of the grandiose Neo-Dravidian Vidhana Soudha, while modernity is represented by the shimmering skyscrapers of UB City. And once you're done seeing these various aspects of Karnataka's capital, why not hit the street hawkers and their dosa stalls on appropriately-named Food Street, enjoy some Bollywood in the local cinemas, or get pampered in one of the town's many spas – expect ancient Ayurveda treatments aplenty.

Best ways to get around Bengaluru

Private taxi and auto-rickshaw rentals are ubiquitous in Bengaluru, and most drivers will be happy to offer day-long or multi-day rates. Doing this is an easy way to ensure you always have a ride, and a great way to learn about the local culture. Uber is also possible in Bengaluru, but can often be harder to organize than local taxis hailed from the street. Alternatively, the light rail Namma Metro system is a clean, fast, and reliable way to get around, and brand new lines are being added regularly.